Johnson County doctors said they're seeing an overwhelming number of patients being treated for the childhood virus known as hand, foot and mouth disease.

Pediatricians said it normally picks up this time of year when children return to school, but doctors at a University of Kansas Hospital clinic said they're getting about five to 10 calls a day about it.

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"Kids have been out running around, doing all their stuff and now we throw them all into a classroom together," said pediatrician Dr. Steve Lauer of the University of Kansas Hospital. "They start coughing on each other, touching each other."

Some of the symptoms include a fever, sore throat and painful sores in the mouth. Patients may also get a skin rash on their hands and feet.

The virus is easily spread and there's no vaccine to protect against it, so doctors hope people can focus on practices that keep it from spreading.

They encourage people to wash their hands regularly, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth and avoid sharing cups and eating utensils. It's also a good idea to disinfect commonly handled things like toys and door knobs, and to keep others away from children with the virus.

Both adults and children can get it, but there's a special concern for children. It can spread throughout a day care very quickly, and one of the side effects can be dangerous.

"It can cause some painful sores in the mouth," said Lauer. "Especially for the babies, the 2-and-3-year-olds, they'll decide, 'This hurts.' And then they don't drink. They can get in this bad cycle where they end up getting dehydrated."

The virus doesn't have a treatment but simply has to run its course.

Doctors advise people to call a physician's office before bringing someone suspected to have this virus into the office.

Daycare facilities in Johnson County are taking proactive steps to handle the situation.

"We've been cleaning all day long, trying to keep the germs out," said Tiffany Fitzgerald, Assistant Director of Little Rascal's Daycare.

The staff cleans three times a day, every day with a three-step process.